NCC DEVELOPS APP TO CHECK PHONES, CURB COUNTERFEIT, CLONED DEVICES
Read Time:2 Minute, 8 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has developed an application to enable authorised stakeholders to verify mobile devices and curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised phones in Nigeria.
The commission’s Lagos Zonal Controller, Tunji Jimoh, disclosed this on Thursday during a media briefing at the NCC zonal office.
Jimoh, who represented the Executive Vice-Chairman of the commission, Aminu Maida, said the application allows authorised stakeholders to scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload the information directly to the NCC’s Device Checker Platform.
“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is important that devices connected to our networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards,” he said.
He explained that the platform supports the verification of the type approval status of SIM-enabled devices and would help address the circulation of non-compliant, counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised devices in the market.
Jimoh said the commission had also streamlined its licensing and regularisation process, enabling several device dealers in Kano to obtain licences.
He added that the NCC had conducted sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry stakeholders in Lagos and other parts of the country to raise awareness of type approval requirements and obligations under the Device Checker framework.
“Together, these initiatives have strengthened accountability across the device supply chain and improved compliance with regulatory requirements,” he said.
The zonal controller said consumers could verify a device’s approval status before purchase through the “Check Your Device” portal on the commission’s website by entering its IMEI number.
He also assured consumers that the platform does not access private information stored on their devices.
“I would also like to emphasise that the Device Checker Platform is not a surveillance tool. It does not access personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information, or any other private content stored on a device,” he said.
“Its purpose is limited to device identification and regulatory compliance verification.”
Jimoh advised manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to consult the type approval and device verification guide on the commission’s website for information on their responsibilities under the framework.
He said organisations seeking equipment type approval could also access the application requirements and procedures through the relevant section of the website.
The NCC urged consumers to verify devices before purchase and patronise reputable and licensed dealers.
The commission had previously engaged stakeholders on plans to introduce a Device Management System for the registration of all SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria as part of efforts to curb phone theft and counterfeiting.
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